Last updated: 30/10/2025
Wondering what cataract is and how it starts? Cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens that scatters light and blurs contrast, often first noticed as glare at night, hazy reading, or faded colours. This overview explains cataract meaning, early signs to watch for, and common risk factors in sunny cities like Dubai, including diabetes and UV exposure.
Still not sure if your vision changes could be due to cataract? Book your personalized consultation today with Magrabi Health’s eye specialists in the UAE.
A cataract occurs when the eye’s clear lens becomes cloudy, blocking light from passing sharply onto the retina. This lens opacity often yellowish or milky distorts how light focuses, making images appear blurred or dim.
In medical terms, the definition of cataract refers to this loss of lens transparency that gradually reduces visual clarity.
Over time, cataract in the eye can affect daily vision tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces, especially under bright light or glare.
Cataract develops slowly, and its first signs can be subtle. Recognizing these early changes helps prevent vision decline before it affects daily life. Common early cataract symptoms include:
Blurry or hazy vision that persists even with updated glasses.
Halos or glare at night, especially around headlights.
Faded or dull colours, with whites appearing slightly yellow.
Difficulty reading small print or needing brighter light to focus.
Double vision in one eye, which may come and go.
Frequent changes in prescription, as the lens continues to cloud.
Increased light sensitivity during sunny days or indoor lighting.
Cataract doesn’t appear overnight—it develops when certain internal or environmental factors damage the lens proteins or fibers. Some causes are related to ageing, while others affect even young adults. The most recognized reasons for cataract include:
Ageing: gradual protein changes in the lens that make it opaque.
UV exposure: intense sunlight in regions like Dubai accelerates lens damage.
Diabetes: elevated blood sugar leads to chemical shifts that cloud the lens.
Smoking: releases toxins that increase oxidative stress on eye tissues.
Corticosteroid use: long-term medication can induce early cataract formation.
Eye injury or surgery: trauma may alter lens structure and clarity.
Family history: inherited tendencies to develop cataract earlier in life.
Causes of cataracts in young adults: congenital factors, metabolic disorders, or prolonged steroid treatments.
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Not all cataracts develop the same way. Each type affects a different part of the lens and produces distinct visual changes. Understanding these variations helps patients know what to expect and why their experiences differ.
This type forms in the central (nuclear) zone of the lens. It gradually causes the lens to harden and turn yellow or brown, reducing clarity and making distance vision particularly blurry. People often notice improved near vision temporarily—sometimes called “second sight”—before overall vision worsens.
Developing along the outer edges (cortex) of the lens, it creates white, wedge-like spokes that point toward the centre. These streaks scatter light, producing glare, halos, and difficulties seeing clearly in bright environments. It is especially noticeable when driving at night.
Appearing at the back surface of the lens capsule, this type tends to progress faster than others. It often causes trouble reading, increased light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing in bright daylight. Diabetic patients or those on long-term steroid medication are more prone to this form.
Present from birth or early childhood, congenital cataracts result from genetic mutations, maternal infections during pregnancy, or metabolic conditions. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent long-term vision loss or lazy eye (amblyopia).
Also called “posterior capsule opacification,” this occurs months or years after cataract surgery when the thin membrane holding the artificial lens becomes cloudy. A quick laser procedure (YAG capsulotomy) can restore clear vision within minutes.
Diagnosing cataract is straightforward yet precise. Eye specialists follow a structured clinical pathway to confirm the cataract definition and rule out other causes of vision loss. The process usually includes:
The doctor begins by discussing visual symptoms—such as glare, night vision problems, or reading difficulty—and reviews medical conditions like diabetes or medication use.
Measures how clearly you can read letters from a distance, helping detect early vision decline not corrected by glasses.
A microscope with bright light allows the ophthalmologist to inspect the front structures of the eye, especially the lens, for any signs of clouding or colour changes.
These evaluate how cataract affects your ability to see in bright light or distinguish shades, often revealing functional impact before severe vision loss.
Eye drops widen the pupil, enabling detailed inspection of the lens and retina to confirm cataract severity and exclude retinal disease.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) may assess retinal health, while biometry measures eye length and curvature to select the most accurate intraocular lens (IOL).
Treatment for cataract depends on how much the lens opacity affects daily life rather than its appearance on examination. In early stages, doctors may recommend non-surgical management such as stronger glasses, better lighting, and UV protection to reduce glare. Once vision loss interferes with reading, driving, or work, surgery becomes the most effective option.
When the cataract is mild and vision remains functional, regular eye exams every 6–12 months are advised. This stage focuses on lifestyle adjustments—like using brighter light and minimizing night driving—until surgery is truly needed.
Updating prescription glasses and managing underlying diseases (such as diabetes) help stabilize vision. Protecting eyes from ultraviolet exposure and avoiding smoking can also slow cataract progression.
Surgery is recommended when cataract in the eye significantly reduces visual quality and independence. The decision is individualized; doctors evaluate both visual acuity and how symptoms impact daily activities.
Modern cataract surgery uses phacoemulsification, where ultrasound waves break up the cloudy lens. It is replaced with a clear intraocular lens (IOL) chosen using precise biometry for each patient. The procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes and is done under local anesthesia.
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24–48 hours. Post-operative drops prevent infection and inflammation. Eye protection, avoiding rubbing, and attending follow-up visits are essential for optimal healing.
A cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which blocks and scatters light instead of focusing it clearly on the retina. This leads to blurred or dim vision and difficulty seeing in bright light or at night. It’s one of the most common causes of reversible vision loss worldwide.
Cataract changes how light passes through the lens, reducing contrast and colour intensity. Patients often notice glare, halos around lights, faded colours, and trouble reading small text. As the cataract grows denser, it blurs both near and distant vision, sometimes causing double images in one eye.
No, cataract cannot disappear without treatment. Once lens proteins become cloudy, the process is irreversible. However, early symptoms can be managed temporarily with stronger glasses or improved lighting until surgery is needed. Modern cataract surgery safely removes the cloudy lens and restores vision with a clear intraocular lens.
Cataract may develop slowly, but its impact on daily life can be profound if left untreated. Recognizing the early signs, understanding the causes, and seeking timely diagnosis are the key steps toward preserving sight.
Modern techniques now make cataract surgery safer, faster, and more precise than ever, restoring vision and confidence within days.
If you’ve noticed cloudy vision, fading colours, or increasing glare, don’t postpone your eye check.
Book your personalized consultation today with Magrabi Health’s cataract specialists across the UAE and take the first step toward clearer vision.
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Cataract: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Updated 2025. https://www.aao.org
National Eye Institute (NEI). Facts About Cataract. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nei.nih.gov
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Cataracts in Adults: Management (NG77). 2023. https://www.nice.org.uk
World Health Organization (WHO). Universal Eye Health: Global Action Plan for the Prevention of Blindness 2020–2030.
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Cataract symptoms and treatment options can vary from one patient to another. Always consult a licensed ophthalmologist or qualified eye specialist for personalized diagnosis and management.
Consultant Ophthalmologist & Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist
Magrabi Health – Abu Dhabi Branch
